Segmented Athletic Shoe Upper with Expansion Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard athletic shoe designs lack adequate mobility between the foot's main divisions during dynamic movements, leading to discomfort and blisters due to minimal stretch and continuous upper structures that do not accommodate relative foot movements.
Innovation Solution
The shoe features a plurality of non-stretch panels interlinked with a stretchable expansion joint, mimicking the foot's bone structure movements, with an X-shape configuration providing relative movement between panels, using materials like spandex or polyurethane-coated spandex with low stretch retention for enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a continuous upper structure is used, then the shoe provides stable support, but it lacks adequate mobility between foot divisions during dynamic movements
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple non-stretch panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) separated by stretchable expansion joints. This segmentation allows each panel to remain stable while the joints between panels provide mobility to accommodate relative movements of different foot divisions during athletic activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion joints are formed of stretchable material that dynamically adapts to the movement of foot bones. As the foot moves, the stretchable material in the expansion joints deforms to allow relative movement between panels, providing the necessary mobility while maintaining overall upper stability.
2Device complexity
If a standard single-material upper is used, then the shoe is simple in construction, but it cannot accommodate relative movements between foot divisions
Solution Approach 1:
The upper combines non-stretch panels with stretchable expansion joints in a composite construction. The non-stretch panels provide structural stability while the stretchable expansion joints (made of elastomeric material) provide mobility. This composite approach allows the upper to accommodate relative foot movements without excessive construction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the upper have different material properties tailored to local requirements. The panels use non-stretch material where stability is needed, while the expansion joints use stretchable material where mobility is required. This local differentiation of material properties enables the upper to accommodate foot movements effectively.
3Shape
If minimal stretch material is used, then the shoe maintains its shape, but it causes discomfort and blisters during dynamic foot movements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the upper into panels connected by expansion joints, the design allows the overall shape to be maintained by the non-stretch panels while the joint regions provide necessary stretch and movement accommodation. This prevents discomfort and blisters by allowing the upper to move with the foot during dynamic activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion joints incorporate stretchable material that dynamically responds to foot movements. This dynamic capability allows the upper to adapt its shape during activity, preventing the harmful effects of discomfort and blisters that occur with rigid, non-stretch uppers, while maintaining shape retention during static conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances comfort by allowing the shoe upper to move with the foot, reducing blisters and sore spots by providing mobility between the foot's divisions, while maintaining support and stability during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
The expansion joint is formed of a stretch material having a stretch retention of less than about 15%, and preferably less than about 5%
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe having an improved upper, and method of manufacture are presented herein. The upper is generally comprised of a plurality of non-stretch panels interlinked with at least one stretchable expansion joint. The stretchable expansion joint provides relative movement between the plurality of non-stretch panels such that the upper mimics the relative movement between the bone structures of a wearer's foot.